Manitoba’s recent budget largely ignores the concerns of farmers and the agricultural industry, say producer groups in the province. Despite the province facing a $460 million deficit this year, the government is cutting Manitoba Agriculture’s budget for Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives by a modest 0.5 per cent: to $227 million in 2012 from […] Read more
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Manitoba budget miffs farmers
Loss of wetlands, floods cause of lake pollution: experts
Phosphorus in Lake Winnipeg While agriculture is often blamed, experts say flooding of farmland has contributed to the problem
Manitoba farmland is covered by a sea of regulations about drainage and manure management but is also plagued by a drought of Manitoba-based research, says an expert in soil science. “There are misconceptions all around about how phosphorus gets from soil into Lake Winnipeg,” Steve Sheppard said in a panel discussion during the Manitoba Pork […] Read moreReproductive efficiency
Four major criteria determine profitability for beef cow-calf producers: Calf crop percentage: This is the percentage of calves weaned per cow exposed to the bull. It is primarily a reproductive issue, although calf health and reproductive health are also involved. Weaning weight of calves: Calves’ ability to grow will determine the amount of pounds of […] Read more
Guardian dogs may be culprits behind cysts in sheep
Harbouring tapeworm | Infected dogs shed eggs, which can then spread to sheep and render lamb meat useless
Guardian dogs are useful in protecting sheep flocks from predators, but the dogs themselves may contain enemies that can affect lamb producers’ bottom lines. Recent research from the University of Guelph has found that the prevalence of C. ovis, also known as sheep measles, caused an increase in lamb carcass condemnations between 2003 and 2011. […] Read moreQuebec bioproduct firm credits certification for soaring sales
A Quebec company that makes lubricants from canola oil has doubled its sales in the last year, thanks in part to a U.S. certification program for bioproducts. Last year Bio-Lub Canada of Trois Rivieres, which makes diesel fuel conditioners, chain saw oil, penetrating oil and biodegreasers, satisfied the criteria for a U.S. Department of Agriculture […] Read more
Policy helps bioproduct makers
U.S. bioproduct registry | U.S. policy helps but Canadians want similar plan here
Canadians who produce bioproducts, whether it be canola oil lubricants or construction materials made from hemp, are advised to register for a U.S. government program called BioPreferred. An agri-technology expert in Ontario says it represents a tremendous opportunity for Canada’s bio-economy. In February, U.S. president Barack Obama urged federal agencies to buy bioproducts such as […] Read moreFederal ag program funding to be centralized
Provincial and territorial agricultural councils that have been delivering federal program money for more than a decade will lose that function March 31, 2014. The news was delivered in a conference call April 11 between Agriculture Canada officials and executive directors of the 13 regional councils. “The notice we were given is that there will […] Read more
Paterson not for sale, says president
International grain companies looking to gain a foothold in Western Canada can stop knocking on one door. “We’re not for sale,” said Andrew Paterson, president and sole owner of Paterson GlobalFoods. Nearly every player in the grain industry has approached Paterson at some point inquiring if his company is for sale and the answer is […] Read more
Regulations have costs, benefits
The debate over agricultural regulations needs a “more balanced dialogue” about the costs and benefits, says a new George Morris Centre study. Senior research associate Al Mussell said in an interview from Guelph that the debate about regulations is often simplistic. Opponents want “red tape” slashed because they argue it weighs industry down with paperwork […] Read more
Home equity loan contributes to high household debt
Economic growth forecasts Household spending, business investment will account for Canada’s growth to end of 2014
OTTAWA (Reuters) — The Bank of Canada has raised its economic growth forecasts for the first three quarters of 2012 and repeated a warning about high household debt. The report, which pointed to the popularity of home equity lines of credit (HELOC) as part of the problem, came a day after the bank held its […] Read more
